“Walk in My Shoes”: A Movement That Made India Know, Feel and See MS.

Every step tells a story. For someone living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), even the simplest step can carry a burden invisible to the outside world. At Roche Pharma India, we believe that understanding begins with empathy—and empathy begins when we pause, reflect, and walk in someone else’s shoes. Millions globally and approximately 2 lakh people in India alone live with Multiple Sclerosis (MS); a life-limiting neurological condition. MS affects the central nervous system, depriving one’s ability to perform simple everyday tasks.

While delivering innovative therapies is only one part of the equation, it is equally important to reimagine how life-altering conditions like MS are understood, diagnosed, perceived and supported. Taking a step towards this cause, Roche Pharma India in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of India (MSSI) launched “Walk In My Shoes” - a public health awareness initiative to highlight the often invisible struggles of individuals living with MS.

Through sensory experiences, the revolutionary initiative aimed to spark conversations around MS, building a sense of community and bringing to the forefront the everyday challenges that these patients face. The campaign invited the public to step into the shoes of those affected, for a firsthand insight into the life-altering physical and emotional realities of the condition through interactive booths and simulation experiences in corporate parks, malls, and public spaces, creating high-impact touchpoints where citizens could feel, know, understand and momentarily live the MS experience.

Specially curated interactive kiosks were set up in Delhi (Select City Walk Mall, Saket), Bengaluru (Brookfield Ecospace, Bellandur) and Mumbai (Phoenix Market City Mall, Kurla), where commonly occurring MS symptoms like loss of balance, motor impairment, muscle spasticity and blurry vision were recreated. Over 4500 people stepped into the shoes of MS patients through these kiosks, gaining a deeper understanding and empathy towards their journey.

The Kiosk in Bengaluru

The Kiosk in Delhi

The Kiosk in Mumbai

In India, awareness around Multiple Sclerosis remains alarmingly low. Misunderstood symptoms, delayed diagnosis, social stigma, and a lack of support can leave patients feeling isolated. According to Mr. Sandeep Chitnis (National Hon. Secretary - MSSI), “Multiple Sclerosis often remains an invisible burden, largely due to limited public awareness, restricted access to specialized neurologists in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities, and frequent mis or delayed diagnosis. Too many individuals silently suffer, untreated and unseen, because the healthcare ecosystem and public understanding lag behind. Early, accurate diagnosis and timely intervention aren’t just clinical ideals—they’re critical lifelines that can transform long‑term outcomes and restore dignity to those living with MS. No one should suffer in silence when a chance to live a fuller life exists.”

Through ‘Walk In My Shoes’, Roche Pharma India is leading the charge in advocating for early diagnosis, holistic care, and societal acceptance. This is more than a campaign—it’s a movement to change the narrative around MS. By inviting people to metaphorically walk in the shoes of those living with the disease, we aim to bridge the empathy gap and inspire a collective commitment to understanding and support.

Audience experiencing MS symptoms at the kiosks

The campaign rolled out as a multi-channel, high-impact initiative designed to spark conversations, influence perceptions, and galvanize action. From thought-provoking videos to real patient stories, our digital platform, www.walkinmyshoes.in has become a hub of compassion and awareness. Our national and regional media outreach featured stories of resilience from MS patients, expert insights from neurologists, and commentary on the critical need for policy and healthcare system support. Leading influencers and content creators joined hands to extend the reach of the campaign. Their authentic voices helped us connect with a wider audience, fostering both awareness and solidarity. Roche employees participated in immersive experiences to better understand life with MS and reinforce our patient-first mindset.

As Dr. Anshu Rohatgi, Vice Chairperson - Neurology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital puts it, “Multiple Sclerosis remains a misunderstood condition. Symptom variability and non-specific presentation often lead to delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Timely and accurate diagnosis is critical, as initiating the right treatment early can significantly delay or prevent long-term disability. Campaigns like #WalkInMyShoes help drive meaningful conversations and bring spotlight on these issues. The primary goal in MS treatment is to reduce disease activity, thereby slowing the pace of disability progression. As clinicians, we have a pressing responsibility of early and accurate diagnosis and achieving the best treatment outcomes for our MS patients. High-Efficacy Therapies (HETs) are crucial, particularly for active or rapidly progressing cases, as they can significantly slow disease progression and prevent irreversible neurological damage; helping patients live independent, dignified lives”.

At Roche, we are committed to putting patients at the center of everything we do. The ‘Walk In My Shoes’ campaign is a reflection of that promise—and just the beginning. As we continue to build partnerships, raise awareness, and support innovation in MS care, we also recommit to creating a world where no MS patient feels invisible.